Stian Overdahl

A view of the skyline in Doha, Qatar's capital.
Pyrrhic Manoeuvres Among the Gulf States

They thought they could break tiny Qatar with bluster and pressure. But now as the Gulf crisis stretches on, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates may be doing more damage to themselves than to Qatar.

Tinariwen played at Heimathafen in Berlin.
Tinariwen Live in Berlin

They’re face of modern Tuareg music. As seasoned performers, Tinariwen know exactly how to please an audience with their live show.

Technology startups have a massive potential to change the Middle East, believes Fadi Ghandour.
Interview with Fadi Ghandour

With the Middle East business landscape being steadily transformed by technology, tech start-ups are an opportunity for a new generation to empower itself through innovation says Fadi Ghandour.

Startups Try to Get Ahead in Egypt

Ahmed Wadi’s startup Money Fellows digitises the rotating savings and credit association (ROSCO) model. To launch to the next level, he’s looking for VC funding and regulatory approval.

Enabling Innovation in Egypt

While Egypt’s economy has suffered in the aftermath of the revolution in 2011 and on-going political tumult, entrepreneurs are tapping into new market trends and using innovative solut

Downtown Cairo at night. Egypt's private sector has underperformed for decades due to corruption.
As Youth Unemployment Soars, Experts Blame Corruption and Poor Governance

While Arab youth join the labour markets in growing numbers, political leaders in many Arab countries seem unable to direct economies towards creating desirable jobs in sufficient numbers. Unable, or unwilling?

Youth in south east Morocco at the sea-side.
Peer-to-Peer Solutions to Youth Unemployment

With many countries in MENA facing nearly identical youth unemployment challenges, there’s a need for greater dialogue and cooperation in the employment services space.

A view over Amman, the capital of Jordan.
Culture and Youth Unemployment

Across the MENA region a pervasive culture of shame sees families reluctant to let their daughters join the workforce and views blue-collar jobs as dishonourable.